Building resilience in Communities
(Aberdare)
learn new skills
meet new people
Access free training
improve your community
What is the Building Resilience in Communities project?
Funded by the Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund, the Building Resilience in Communities (BRiC) supports you to improve your health and wellbeing, build your confidence and self-esteem, learn new skills, achieve qualifications, and make positive life improvements through the renovation of empty properties across Neath, Afan, Cynon, Rhondda Fawr and Rhondda Fach valleys.
Open to all aged 16+. No experience needed. Guided by skilled tutors throughout.
What you'll be doing on the project
You will be supported to learn a range of transferrable skills, as well as all the trade skills associated with property renovations. Types of activities you will experience include:
- Plastering
- Painting & Decorating
- Carpentry
What you'll achieve
BRiC will support you to improve your health and wellbeing, achieve qualifications, meet new people, and make positive life improvements. Our Head of Service Delivery will support you throughout your time with us, working with you to identify areas of personal improvement, support you to access support services, or help you on your employment journey. You can achieve accredited qualifications such as the Level 3 Emergency First Aid in the Workplace, the CITB Health & Safety Awareness qualification, and work towards the CSCS Card, providing you with a stepping-stone into employment and work experience.
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Volunteer information
Duty of Care
We have extensive experience of supporting people from various backgrounds. As such, we have robust duty of care and wellbeing policies in place. If you have any wellbeing worries or if you raise any concerns to our staff, we can support you in a confidential manner.
attendance
This project will operate from 9am – 4pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. You can attend from anywhere between one day a week to the full three days. Project attendance is managed by our Head of Service Delivery, who will be your point of contact for any questions or concerns you may have.
Intended project attendance must be confirmed on the Project Referral Form; however, attendance can be amended weekly with confirmation from our Head of Operations.
Safety
The safety of our staff and project volunteers is of highest importance, particularly considering the practical nature of the project. As such, method statements and risk assessments are in place for all activities.
On your first day of the project you will complete an Induction that will go into more detail around how we ensure your safety on site.
All Cii staff are qualified first aiders, with first aid kits and accident books. Health declarations must be recorded on the Referral Form and are dealt with in the strictest of confidence in line with our Data Protection Policy.
your welfare
The following welfare facilities are in place at each project location:
- Hot and cold running water
- Hand sanitiser and hand wash
- Period products
- Communal area for breaks and lunch
- Hot drinks facilities
- Microwave and small fridge
- Washroom facilities
- Personal storage boxes for belongings
clothing and ppe
Please wear comfortable clothing appropriate to the work conditions. We would recommend hard-wearing trousers and layers that can be removed depending on the weather.
Safety boots and a hi-vis vest will be provided you to keep, whilst paper overalls and all relevant PPE such as gloves, ear defenders and safety goggles will be provided depending upon the project activity.
Please ensure long hair is tied up, no fake nails, no shorts and no open-toed shoes.
Meet the BRiC Team
AbiÂ
Head of Operations
Dai
Head of Quality
and Standards
Steve
Project Tutor
Craig
Project Tutor
frequently asked questions
What do I need to Bring with Me?
Just bring yourself! All Personal Protective Clothing (PPE) will be provided to you on the day, but please ensure you wear clothing appropriate for a construction site. However, you may wish to bring a spare change of clothes as activities on site can often be messy.
Please feel free to bring any food or soft drinks you need throughout the day, though we will provide lunch, hot drinks and non-fizzy drinks to all volunteers every day – so you won’t go hungry! If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can accommodate that when ordering lunch.
can I wear my own safety boots?
Yes, provided that they are steel-cap-toe boots and are in good condition. But if you don’t have safety boots, don’t worry! You will be provided with these along with all other necessary PPE on your first day.
what do i do if i’m late or can’t make it that day?
If you’re running late or can’t make it to the project on the day, it’s not a problem – just message or call Abi (07487 597609). You will also be added to a WhatsApp group if you would like to use that to let us know instead.
Reminder: if you don’t inform us before 10:30 am this will count as an unexplained absence, so please let us know as soon as possible.
will my travel expenses be reimbursed?
Yes, all travel will be reimbursed – you will just need to fill in a travel reimbursement form on site and send it with a photo of your travel receipt to Abi.
Interested in joining?
If you live in Aberdare or the surrounding areas and would like to join then please complete a referral form and send to Abi.Lewis@the-cii.org. If you have any questions you can Whatsapp or call 07487 597609.
You can also check out stories from past project volunteers below:
